Partners in Church Planting: A Comprehensive Guide to Forming Partnerships and Policy

This dissertation identifies issues and principles related to partnerships which are formed for the purpose of starting new churches and provides guidelines for making those partnerships more effective. While the theological issue surrounding partnerships is discussed in the context of an historical investigation of Independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ, the principles and issues discussed can be applied to the broader Christian community. This dissertation draws insights from various sources. Partnerships are common among missionary organizations. Secular businesses are also engaged in seeking alliances. This paper provides extensive research material from both of theses sources and identifies the issues which makes those partnerships effective. This dissertation also draws material from church planting churches and ministries which specialize in starting new churches. This paper concludes by discussing twenty issues that those who are entering into partnerships should examine when writing a policy to guide their common project.